Quote:
Originally Posted by KDD
The amount of new construction in Allentown over the last 10 years is astounding (well not really when you consider what a give away the Neighborhood Improvement Zone, "the NIZ" is). But what is even more remarkable is how ugly it all is. Born and raised in Allentown, I feel okay calling it all ugly.
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The NIZ-related development only exists because of the increase in population, and resulting economic impact, due to NY/NJ/Philly transplants. Allentown is an interesting case in urban studies right now. Haven't been there in a few years... will have to make a stop pretty soon to see the construction.
Quote:
Originally Posted by iheartthed
In Pennsylvania, lol. Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west, and Alabama in the middle.
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Yeah... but that's really an unbelievably generalized, inaccurate, and tired quote from a goofy Cajun, snake-looking guy who knows zero about PA. Though it is kinda funny.
First, the whole "Alabama in the middle" and "Pennsyltucky" etc. descriptors are dumb. It's the other way around. Pennsylvania is not like Alabama or Kentucky...
Alabama and Kentucky are like Pennsylvania. Fathers don't take after their sons. Pennsylvania is largely rural... farmland and mountains. It's always been this way. Pennsylvania is arguably THE Appalachian state, given the expanse of the region running right through it.
Second, just like pretty much anywhere else, the "divide" is urban-rural. The other cities throughout Pennsylvania are solidly blue. The rural areas solidly red. Just like most everywhere.
Third, you see confederate flags within Pittsburgh
city limits, to say nothing of the stars and bars flags and truck decals you'll see displayed in the surrounding area. Pittsburgh is Appalachian and the "urban redneck" phenomena has been alive and well here since the Scots-Irish settled in the hills and hollers centuries ago.